Last year students were introduced to a computer programming curriculum throughout the year.
Computer Programming Vocabulary they learned:
- Algorithm-- a set of instructions
- Macro-- a computer program. The algorithm creates a macro.
- RBG- Red, Blue, Green Channels
- Loop--to repeat from the beginning (any algorithm inside the loop)
- Degrees-- angles that tell robots which way to set their directions
Students learned to manuever Sphero Robots and created several macros (computer programs) using those robots throughout the year.
They participated in The Hour Of Code.
Each individual student was given code.org accounts and has had access to their account (in and out of school) since.
A year from this point we are back at THE HOUR OF CODE!
It has been such a blessing to our curriculum. I have noticed many advantages of teaching coding. First, and foremost-- it has created a growth mindset in my students. When we first began, students were easily frustrated and wanted to quit when they didn't know the exact answers in the lines of code they were creating. Now, it is amazing to see them work through challenges which sometimes takes several attempts and a high level of problem solving! I am so proud of them! Computer project teaches basic logic as well as state mandated english and mathematics standards.
Students will be excited this year when they learn that this year's Hour of Code includes a MINECRAFT or STARWARS coding experience which encourages them to learn to leave the blockly coding system, instead replacing blocks with actual Java code.
Welcome to the hour of code!
CLASSROOM LINKS TO CODING:
2nd grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/GPKBPV
3rd grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/MSRDON
4th grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/MAWNES
5th grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/NEVJUK
6th grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/QUIXLW
7th grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/UWZETY
8th grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/IFPQIW
9th grade website http://studio.code.org/sections/NUWKEY
